Jermaine Loewen made history in the 2018 NHL Draft when he became the first Jamaican-born player to be taken by an NHL team in the draft. The 20-year old winger went 199th overall to the Dallas Stars in June, after playing four seasons in the Western Hockey League. He is a long-shot to play in the National Hockey League, but you never know what can happen, especially if you know Jermaine’s story.
A Divine Appointment
Jermaine was dropped off by his birth parents at a Jamaican hospital when he was a one-year old baby. He landed in an orphanage soon after. And it wasn’t until Stan and Tara Loewen of Manitoba arrived at this children’s home that he found a permanent home.
The Loewens had previously been at the orphanage to help renovate it as part of a Christian missions trip from their Canadian church. When they returned to the orphanage, they came with a desire to adopt one of the orphans. There were eighteen children at the home.
Jermaine seemed to be waiting for them as they arrived. “He was wearing his Sunday best”, Stan Loewen shared. “(Jermaine) said, ‘I’m going with you.'”. This just melted the hearts of the Canadian couple.
Jermaine, as it turned out, was the only child who was eligible at the time to be adopted. The Loewens’ shared: “You can’t just say it was chance. It was meant to be.” It was God’s providence which led to Jermaine becoming their adopted son.
The Loewens’ ended up adopting two more children, Makeda and Nathaneal. Jermaine is a wonderful big brother to them and a very good role model to many youth, especially to those that are faced with many challenges in their journey on this earth.
We Are Made For A Purpose
At six years old, Jermaine got his first ice skates as a Christmas present, paving the way for his future career. Jermaine had a career-best 64 points for his W.H.L. team in 2017-2018.
As I read of Jermaine’s story, I am reminded of the Psalmist’s words in Psalm 139:15,16:
“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were in your book before one of them came to be.”
I believe God’s hand is on Jermaine’s life in a special way. He may or may not play in the NHL one day. But even if he doesn’t, my prayer for Jermaine is that his life will continue to be a blessing to many. May the Lord continue to grant him courage and wisdom as he serves Him.
QOTD: Do you believe that the Lord is actively involved in your day-to-day life? Do you open your heart for Him to work and guide you in your daily life?